UAV and US Comms Question

[swaghauler]

I'm kind of "fuzzy" on why the US (or anyone) would need to put up balloons (or anything) for comms. While satellites provide near-instant transmission of large data packets, you can still use both AM Radio AND Single Side-Band Radio for long-range communications.

AM Radios can have ranges in excess of 10,000 Kilometers with a very tall tower and an emitter of sufficient wattage. Sound quality may be lacking but this is 19th Century/Early 20th Century tech which is easily constructed from basic electrical equipment.

Single Side-Band Radios are a common system in Cruising Sailboats and most Commercial and Military Ships. It does require licensing but Sailors on private Sailboats have bounced transmissions over 6,000 Kilometers using a 12-volt powered radio and the appropriate antenna.

Commercial FM Radio stations have transmitted at ranges up to 500km clearly. Radio Free America (the US radio Stations who broadcast across unfriendly borders) ROUTINELY achieves this.

Once the strategic jamming stops, these systems will allow the US to communicate just like they did in WW II.